Food Season on the Boob Tube

It seems as if food has become almost as popular a subject for television programming as reality shows -- when the two are combined, like on Top Chef, Kitchen Nightmare's, and Hell's Kitchen, the result is stratospheric. To be honest, I've never really been a fan of contest-style reality programming, regardless of whether it's about food. I'm much more interested in shows that might teach me something (and you can just about forget the Food Network in that regard these days). Anyhow, there are a bunch of food shows that have either just began or are about to begin new seasons shortly. Check out Clean Plate Charlie's list of what's in season on TV right now:

Ramsay OverloadThe F Word: Some say the bigger you are, the harder you fall. If the naysayers are right, foul-mouthed celeb chef Gordon Ramsay is headed for a mighty big crash. Gordon's such a big deal right now, it's hard to imagine any of his multitude of Fox shows failing miserably. But for a look at a show that doesn't just paint him as Simon Cowell on a bad hair day, check out his original BBC show, The F Word. BBC America is currently showing episodes of the show's third series daily, and it's phenomenal. Each episode, Gordon showcases recipes that border on the pornographic intertwined with intriguing food reporting segments that delve into alternative protein sources, highlight trends in nutrition, or profile exotic delicacies like maggot-filled Italian cheese called casu marzu. The fourth series is also showing new episodes on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. through August 5. Don't miss this one.

Hell's Kitchen: The new season continues to draw in droves of fans hungering for high-stakes drama. Episode four will debut Tuesday at 8 p.m. during the show's regular time slot.

Kitchen Nightmares: Ramsay's other Fox drama is currently shooting its third season and is scheduled to debut this fall.

Star Power

Top Chef: Bravo's series that culls chefs from around the world

to compete has been a huge hit for the network among foodies and

nonfoodies alike. The latest season of the program brings the flame to

follows the trend of nearly all the other Food Network "stars," will be

off the air in three episodes.

No Reservations: Writer, chef, critic, and human tornado Anthony

Bourdain just keeps chugging along, visiting and reporting on the

food and lifestyles of faraway countries and forgotten strips of land.

The fifth season of his Emmy-nominated show is in full swing. The third episode will show tonight at 10 on the Travel Channel.

What Were You Thinking, Food Network?

Chefs vs. City: Food Network has a bunch of new stinkers

coming out, but we're on the fence with this one. Chefs Aaron Sanchez

and Chris Cosentino of Centrico/Paladar and Incanto respectively failed on the Next Iron Chef, but apparently execs at the network still think there might be something there. The new series is an extension of Bobby Flay's Throwdown:

the pair will travel from city to city challenging local chefs to

ridiculous and inane cooking challenges. It shows on Fridays at 10 p.m.

Five Ingredient Fix: The latest cooking program from a network that's in short supply of them has a self-explanatory gimmick. New episodes show Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

What Would Brian Boitano Make?: Are you for real? A whole show inspired by a song from the South Park

movie, which, might I add, came out more than ten years ago? Uhhh... OK, Food